Richard Gouraige, OL, 6-5, 271 Tampa / Cambridge Christian: A two-way tackle during high school, Gouraige finished his career with 23.5 sacks. Such athletic ability will serve him well as he focuses on offense at UF.

The Gators ended the day No. 14 in the 247Sports.com recruiting rankings, a solid showing following a coaching transition and up four spots from Tuesday night. The top of the class is a vast improvement from last season, when Jim McElwain signed just one top-100 recruit. Mullen and his staff signed four: receiver Jacob Copeland (No. 69), quarterback Emory Jones (85), offensive tackle Richard Gouraige (81) and athlete Justin Watkins (89).

Copeland, Gouraige and Watkins highlighted a strong finish by the Gators. Copeland, Richard Gouraige and defensive end Malik Langham — all four-star recruits — each signed well after 2 p.m., making for a long and nervous day for Mullen. American Heritage pass rusher Andrew Chatfield Jr., who picked the Gators over Miami and Florida State, was a big get early on signing day.

UF’s past three transition classes finished 21st (Jim McElwain), 11th (Will Muschamp) and 12th (Urban Meyer). Mullen made it clear he expects this to be his lowest-rated class at UF.

Big catch

Copeland’s decision to sign with UF was not an easy one. “He's had a lot of stress. A lot of people pulling on him in different directions,” Mullen said. When Copeland announced his decision on ESPN2, his mother, who was wearing an Alabama sweatshirt and Tennessee cap, stormed off. She returned later and hugged her son, who said he had to decide based on his heart and not his mother’s wishes.